Public Participation Plan

latest news

PPP Amendments Adopted May 17, 2017The CCRPC held a public hearing on May 17, 2017 to review and hear public comments on proposed amendments to the Public Participation Plan. The amendments were approved and the amended Plan was adopted.

As part of our ongoing efforts to engage the public, we have completed a 2014 Public Participation Plan. This is an update to our 2008 Public Participation Plan, and provides the methodology for involving the public in our work, using both traditional and innovative outreach methods to meet the needs of our growing and increasingly diverse community.

The 2014 Public Participation Plan outlines the CCRPC’s principles and goals, aligns our strategies and activities with specific levels of engagement appropriate to each, and provides evaluation methods for determining the effectiveness of our initiatives.

ABOUT THE CCRPC

The mission of the Chittenden County Regional Planning Commission (CCRPC) is to act as the principal forum for planning, policy and community development in Chittenden County, Vermont. The CCRPC functions as the federally designated metropolitan planning organization (MPO) and serves the 19 municipalities in Chittenden County.

SEE BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION ON:

The Plan

2014 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN

Federal regulations require that the CCRPC, as the region’s metropolitan planning organization, develop and use a documented participation plan (CFR Part 450.316). It is intended to be a resource for the CCRPC to use in its efforts to reach out to and engage community members in the neighborhoods and towns impacted by its projects. On October 15, 2014, the CCRPC Board adopted the 2014 Public Participation Plan (PPP), an update to the 2008 Plan.

While we are proud of our strong relationships with local residents, advocacy and interest groups, and state and federal agencies, we strive to improve our efforts to involve the public in our planning and policy work, as inclusive community engagement is the foundation that will lead to improved problem-solving methods, decision-making and long-term solutions that meet the needs of our diverse community. The 2014 PPP seeks to strengthen existing relationships and forge new ones.

PPP Advisory Committee

CCRPC PUBLIC PARTICIPATION PLAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE

In June 2013, a Public Participation Plan Advisory Committee was assembled to assist in the development of a comprehensive public involvement process, building off of the existing (2008) Public Participation Plan. The assembled Advisory Committee included representatives from a diverse range of area interests and organizations. The Advisory Committee reviewed the existing Public Participation Plan to determine which elements were relevant to retain and which were outdated, reviewed other comparable plans and engagement tools, and assisted in the overall update of the Plan, with the deliverable being a draft 2014 Public Participation Plan (completed July, 2014).

Public Participation Plan History

In 1991, the Federal government introduced transportation funding legislation that emphasized the need for public involvement in the planning process. This landmark legislation, the Intermodal Surface Transportation and Efficiency Act (ISTEA), raised awareness among transportation planning agencies of the need to fully engage citizens in determining their transportation future. Since the enactment, the CCRPC has developed an increasingly wide range of educational and public involvement opportunities. These include publications such as newsletters and reports, public meetings, hearings, workshops, and an interactive website.

CCRPC 2003 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT PLAN:

Staff Resources

Below is a collection of resources for staff and consultants to use as they develop the Public Participation Plan for any project. Action items are listed for each.

CCRPC 2014 Public Participation Plan | Download »This is the full Plan, including appendices.

CCRPC Spectrum of Participation | Download »The Spectrum identifies the various levels at which the public is involved in any project performed by the CCRPC.ACTION: Consult the Spectrum of Participation at the inception of a project to determine the appropriate level of community involvement.

CCRPC Public Participation Plan & Equity Impact Worksheet | Word Document » | PDF »This worksheet will assist you in considering your process, purpose, primary audience, potential barriers, impacts and strategies to inform and involve your intended audience before you begin a project.ACTION: Complete the worksheet if you will be working on an effort that falls under Involve, Collaborate, or Empower on the Spectrum of Participation.

Evaluation Criteria and Performance Goals for Public Participation | Download »This matrix identifies evaluation criteria, performance goals, and methods to reach the goals for each public participation strategy you may use when implementing your Public Participation Plan for a project.ACTION: Consult this matrix early in developing your Public Participation Plan for outreach ideas and to ensure the tools you use can be measured throughout for their effectiveness.

CCRPC Interim Volunteer Stipend Policy & Advisory Committee Enrollment Form | Download »This policy is intended to assist in removing barriers to allow for meaningful and diverse community involvement in planning and policy work within Chittenden County.ACTION: Distribute this form to every member of an Advisory Committee at the committee’s inception.